High-Tech Analysis Unlocks Hidden Texts in Ancient Buddhist Scrolls

What's Happening?

Researchers at the Ethnological Museum of the National Museums in Berlin have successfully used advanced technology to reveal hidden texts in ancient Buddhist scrolls. These scrolls, part of a Mongolian gungervaa shrine, have been in the museum's collection for over a century. Due to their fragile nature, the scrolls could not be manually unrolled. Instead, the team employed X-ray tomography and artificial intelligence to virtually unwrap and analyze the scrolls. The findings, published in the Journal of Cultural Heritage, revealed Tibetan characters and the Buddhist mantra 'Om mani padme hum,' urging universal compassion. The scrolls, originally tightly coiled, were found to extend up to 30 inches when digitally unrolled. The study noted the use of ink containing metal particles, which is unusual compared to traditional Chinese ink. This discovery is part of a larger project to restore the Tibetan shrine, with ongoing efforts to decode more of the scrolls' contents.

Why It's Important?

The discovery of hidden texts in these ancient scrolls is significant for both historical and cultural research. It provides insights into Tibetan Buddhism and the materials used in ancient script creation. The use of advanced technology like X-ray tomography and AI in cultural heritage preservation demonstrates the potential for non-invasive methods to uncover historical artifacts without damaging them. This approach could revolutionize how museums and researchers handle fragile artifacts, allowing for more discoveries while preserving the integrity of the objects. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of Buddhist practices and the historical context of the artifacts, potentially influencing future studies in religious and cultural history.

What's Next?

Further research is needed to decode more sections of the scrolls and uncover additional texts. The museum's ongoing project aims to restore the Tibetan shrine and gain a comprehensive understanding of its artifacts. Researchers may continue to use advanced technologies to analyze other relics within the shrine, potentially leading to more discoveries. The exhibition 'Conservation in Dialogue' at the Humboldt Forum will showcase these findings, offering the public a chance to engage with the restored artifacts and learn about the technological methods used in their preservation.